I bought an electronic cigarette 10 days ago. For those who do not know, this gadget provides nicotine but eliminates the inhalation of tar and, depending who you believe, around 1 500 harmful substances associated with cigarette smoking. It vaporises a mixture of water and nicotine and does not produce any smoke, thereby eliminating the negative effects of secondary smoke inhalation.
Facts
It is a fact that smoking is bad for your health - few would dispute that. It is also a fact that nicotine is addictive but it does not cause cancer.
Smiling
So when I bought my device, I was happy that I was reducing my own risk and was no longer creating secondary smoke risks for my family. This, plus the fact that my breath and clothes no longer stink, and that it cost half of what cigarettes cost, is enough of a bonus to keep me smiling.
Anti Smoking lobbyists and zealots
With the government's drive to curb smoking in public (and private) areas, I thought that the Department of Health and the National Council against Smoking would be hailing this invention as the biggest medical advance since the discovery of penicillin. But I was wrong.
Nicotine lie
Peter Ucko from the NCAS, is not impressed. He correctly stated on RSG last Wednesday that smokers of the device would remain addicted to nicotine. He then in incorrectly claimed that nicotine can only be found in tobacco leaves. This is not true: it is found in the nightshade family of plants which includes tomatoes, eggplant and potatoes. Small lie, Peter and nothing gained.
Another omission
What he also omitted to mention was that it has been proven that nicotine, under controlled and in specific circumstances, can have medicinal value. What he overlooks in his zeal, is the fact that electronic cigarettes eliminate most of the risk factors associated with smoking, thereby dramatically reducing the number of deaths related to smoking, as well as the cost of public and private health spend - something he seems passionate about.
Department of Health
The Department of Health issued a statement that they are unhappy with the electronic devices because it has not been proven that it is effective as smoking cessation devices. This is also true but also highlights the ignorance of the department. I have visited six local and a couple of overseas websites and not a single site promotes the device as a smoking cessation device.
Step in the right direction
What the manufacturers and suppliers do say is that if that is a smoker wishes to, he or she can reduce the nicotine content of the vapour to zero. What the gadget does is give you the same tactile sensations and nicotine as normal cigarettes so the smoker does not suffer from withdrawal symptoms. As the harmful and carcinogenic agents are removed, the body can start the process of healing, or at least halt the decline, as medical practitioners would agree every cigarette not smoked, is a step in the right direction.
Shining light
The only shining light was an article in which a researcher from the University of Stellenbosch's Smoking Cessation programme states that he is cautiously optimistic - in fact, he says he rather likes the electronic devices.
On my way to the good life
As for me? I have not smoked a tobacco cigarette in 10 days, I have not assaulted my wife or my kids, or my pets, although I admit to giving a taxi driver the middle finger.
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Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.